"The accuracy is comparable to conventional equipment, although we are faster and cheaper," Pipper says.

The scientists say the bioassay is more than four times faster and fraction of the cost of commercial test kits.

The scientists hope to use the device to test for other viruses, such as SARS, AIDS and hepatitis B.

"In addition, it may be applicable not only to the flu virus, but could be adapted to other infectious agents, and to other bodily fluids like blood, urine or saliva," they say.

H5N1, a disease found mostly in birds, is endemic in many parts of Asia and experts have warned for years that it could spark a pandemic, killing millions of people, if it learns to jump from person to person.

"The World Health Organization containment plan aims to stop an epidemic locally in order to prevent a global disaster," the scientists say.

"In the event of a flu epidemic, its rapid containment would depend on the prompt identification of the first cases. But as routine surveillance may be problematic in countries with limited public health resources, low-cost, easy-to-use detection [procedures] would be advantageous."